Saint Basil Academy, located in Garrison, New York, is a home for Orthodox children in need. The love of Father Costa Sitaras, their staff, the Orthodox Church, Philoptochos Society, countless of organizations and volunteers help nurture the children to grow into adulthood. After High School, often the children reside in the Bridge Program, where they remain a part of the Academy as they pursue their higher education.
By Vivienne Papadatos
The Saint Basil Academy Young Adults, transformed into the Saint Basil Academy Fellowship, has been a steady rock in campus life for over 25 years. We are dedicated to provide friendship and mentorship to the children as they enter young adulthood. Through our monthly visits, we strive to make a difference in their lives and help them grow into self fulfilled individuals. Our wish is that they realize their full potential and play a constructive role in society.
There is a special, unbreakable bond between the Academy Fellowship and the children in which both benefit greatly. Our priority is to ensure they remain undefined by their circumstances. We encourage their interests and provide opportunities for Adult social networking both near the Academy and in New York City.
As with any family, the Academy Fellowship creates special memories and traditions. Our building Christmas gingerbread houses is a creative project where the results range from the traditional home to a Swiss chalet with furniture. During our bowling excursions, the children love to see one dedicated volunteer do his ‘dance’ each time he prepares to bowl. It is quite a site to be seen with his arms stretching, legs kicking, squats and more. His presence is now a requirement. The volunteers have just as much fun as the children.
At a recent obstacle course event, it was heartening to see one team, which included a few older children, slow their dash so the younger team could meet them at the finish line. When the tie-breaker run through had completed, the older children barely won. To see such compassion between the children was moving. The children were not so lenient with us volunteers when we raced.
The children have matured into wonderful young adults right before our eyes. Some of them have spent the majority of their childhood at the Academy. The importance of the Academy is evident when any graduate or alumnus speaks, as they always thank God, the Archdiocese, the Philoptochos and all of the countless organizations and individuals for its existence. Many say that they do not know where they would be if it were not for the Academy.
My first young adult visit was for a YAL Academy Christmas visit, which included decorating the Christmas tree and attending the YAL party. The warmth I felt that day, both with the children and the other adults, ‘drew’ me in. I have continued my visits since that fateful day. As an additional blessing, I have met some of my closest friends through the Academy. People may wonder in and out of your life, but it is the consistency of the Academy in my life and my family that embraces me. As a volunteer who organizes the monthly Academy Fellowship events and now a faithful servant of the Academy Board, it is my hope that everyone can have a similar experience as I had.
No matter how busy my life is or how stressful it can be, the Academy is an oasis that provides me inner peace, even when surrounded by the booming laughter of the children and volunteers. It is a respite that I hope to be blessed to continue to visit throughout my life. I view being at the Academy and spending time with the Fellowship as an extension of who I am. I volunteer for I have been blessed with wonderful parents, who have provided me a loving family life and an Orthodox Christian upbringing. I feel the need to reciprocate that love and foundation.
As Orthodox Christians, it is our responsibility to provide the children of the Academy with the same love, time, and attention we would give our own. You can make a difference in a child’s life. You can have a profound impact that will last a lifetime. Both of your lives will be forever changed. Through all our deeds, our unconditional love will remain with them. Come experience the magic of the children and Academy life.
No matter where you live, there are so many ways you can be a part of the Academy. Organize a fundraiser to support the many needs of the Academy. Donate. Remember the Academy in your long term estate planning. Host a Child. Become a “Godparent” to one. Volunteer. Contribute your services. Spread the word. Remember the children in your prayers. Contact us today.
For more information on the Fellowship, contact me at sba_yal@yahoo.com. For more information on the Academy itself, contact them directly at 845-424-3500. Visit them at www.saintbasilacademy.org.
